This Is Amazing Grace

SKU: BT.DHP-1094826-010

9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

After he had survived a heavy sea storm, John Newton (1725-1807), captain of a slave ship, became a priest and from then on he fought for the abolition of slavery. During his tenure he wrote several hymns, of which Amazing Grace certainly is the best known. The melody assumedly derives from a song by the African slaves. Takashi Hoshide has written a compelling arrangement of this beautiful melody.

Nachdem er einen heftigen Seesturm glücklich überlebt hatte, wurde John Newton (1725-1807), der bis dato Kapitän eines Sklavenschiffs gewesen war, Pfarrer und kämpfte fortan für die Abschaffung der Sklaverei. Während seiner Amtszeit schrieb er mehrere Kirchenlieder, von denen Amazing Grace sicherlich das bekannteste ist. Vermutlich stammt die Melodie von einem Lied der afrikanischen Sklaven. Takashi Hoshide schuf ein unwiderstehliches Arrangement für Blasorchester dieser schönen Melodie.

Après avoir survécu une violente tempête en mer, John Newton (1725-1807), marin de commerce et capitaine de navire négrier, devient pasteur et lutte pour l’abolition de l’esclavage. Durant son ministère, il écrivit plusieurs hymnes, dont l’intemporel Amazing Grace. Il est fort probable que l’air vienne d’une mélodie chantée par des esclaves africains. L’arrangement de Takashi Hoshide est purement irrésistible.

Dopo essere sopravissuto ad una violenta tempesta in mare, John Newton (1725-1807), capitano della propria nave e mercante di schiavi, divenne pastore e cominciò a battersi per l’abolizione della schiavitù. Scrisse diversi inni, il più celebre dei quali è Amazing Grace. L’aria è probabilmente ripresa da una melodia cantata dagli schiavi.

SKU: CF.YPS214F

ISBN 9781491153017. UPC: 680160910519.

This new piece from composer George Sweet is a delightful combination of Scotland the Brave and Amazing Grace. Each tune on its own is wonderful, but in Sweet's setting, they are masterfully layered to reflect the composer's Scottish-American heritage. This presentation of a Scottish melody with Americana-inspired harmonies is a stunning example of compositional craft.
Bravery and Grace is a setting of the unofficial Scottish national anthem, Scotland the Brave. While the melody is taken from Scotland the Brave, the accompaniment and harmony both have a “Western Americana” feel, reminiscent of composers like Roy Harris and Aaron Copland.  This combination of a Scottish melody with American harmony is a reflection of the composer’s Scottish-American Heritage.The piece begins with a fragment of Scotland the Brave presented in a lush and reflective context. The main theme is performed in full by the upper voices at m. 9. The middle voices perform the material at m. 17, and the lower voices perform it again at m. 33. This results in a loud passage representing pipers at m. 46. The traditional spiritual Amazing Grace appears suddenly at m. 51 in a somewhat polytonal setting. This is, once again, reminiscent of practices of the aforementioned American composers.  After this lyrical presentation, a fragment of the main theme returns at m. 66. This is followed by a broad restatement of the theme at m. 70 and a brisk conclusion with a final flair of polytonality.

SKU: GI.G-005858

UPC: 641151058580.

These two treasured hymns are cleverly set for 4-part choir supported by a gentle keyboard part and flowing flute descant. The last 2 verses feature both hymns sung concurrently. Your choir will enjoy learning and performing this one and the assembly will readily join in. A beautiful, spiritual reflection on how truly amazing is the grace of our Lord‚ suffering and crucifixion.